I Was Diagnosed With Colon Cancer at 32. Here Are the First Symptoms I Had.

  Raquel A., 33, never guessed she had   cancer, even though she had symptoms that worried her. A few years ago, her bowel movements became increasingly frequent and abnormal, which she figured was due to undiagnosed   irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)   or a   food intolerance. She didn’t have health insurance, so she put off going to the doctor and tried to ease her discomfort with   fiber supplements   and dietary changes. After getting a job that offered medical coverage, she saw a primary care physician, who told her she likely just had   anxiety. Her symptoms worsened, and in 2023, she was diagnosed with stage four   colon cancer . Raquel has been sharing her experience with the condition—as well as what she wants others to know about seeking help as early as possible—on   TikTok . Here's her story, as told to health writer Julia Ries. I first started having noticeable  gastrointestinal issues  in 2019, right before the pand...